Photo Above: President Barack Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia participate in the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey pardon ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House, Nov. 25, 2015. National Turkey Federation Chairman Jihad Douglas participates. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama has said the United States has no specific and credible intelligence indicating a plot on the homeland on the eve of Thanksgiving holidays, as he assured Americans of security institutions’ continual work to stave off any threat.
“Now right now, we know of no specific and credible intelligence indicating a plot on the homeland,” he said at the White House after a briefing by his top security officials.
Obama said his administration recognizes how horrific and heinous was what took place in Paris, noting that given the shocking images Americans have been asking each other whether it’s safe here, whether it’s safe to fly or gather.
Citing AAA Travel, a CNN report says an estimated 46.9 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday, with about 42 million Americans driving while around 3.6 million Americans will fly. According to Transport Security Administration, security has been beefed including at airports.
In his remarks, President Obama said he is aware that families have discussed their fears about the threat of terrorism around the dinner table, many for the first time since September 11th. And it’s understandable that people worry something similar could happen here. Watching the events in Paris made the threat feel closer to home.
The U.S., he said, is taking every possible step to keep the homeland safe.
The president said the U.S. has been going after ISIL terrorist organization, believed to be behind Paris attacks, wherever its militants hide for more than a year with a 65 nations coalition.
“So far, our military and our partners have conducted more than 8,000 airstrikes on ISIL strongholds and equipment. Those airstrikes, along with the efforts of our partners on the ground, have taken out key leaders, have taken back territory from ISIL in both Iraq and Syria. We continue working to choke off their financing and their supply lines, and counter their recruitment and their messaging.”
Obama, who Tuesday held White House talks with French president President Francoise Hollande, said, the two countries will step up their coordination even further to fight the ISIL, also known as ISIS and Daish.
Secondly, he said, Washington continues to do everything possible to prevent attacks at home and abroad, and to prevent foreign terrorist fighters from entering the United States or other nations.
“So as Americans travel this weekend to be with their loved ones, I want them to know that our counterterrorism, intelligence, homeland security and law enforcement professionals at every level are working overtime. They are continually monitoring threats at home and abroad, continually evaluating our security posture. They’re constantly working to protect all of us.”
Obama noted the security institutions’ work has prevented attacks. Their efforts have saved lives. They serve every hour of every day for the sake of our security. They did so before Paris, and they do so now -– without fanfare or credit, and without a break for the holidays, he added.
“So the bottom line is this: I want the American people to know, entering the holidays, that the combined resources of our military, our intelligence, and our homeland security agencies are on the case. They’re vigilant, relentless and effective. In the event of a specific, credible threat, the public will be informed. We do think it’s useful for people, as they’re going about their business, to be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, say something. That’s always helpful. But otherwise, Americans should go about their usual Thanksgiving weekend activities — spending time with family and friends, and celebrating our blessings.”
